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Ideal ocean cruise ship: Ship sizes and what they mean for your cruise

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Ships sizes range from megaships (over 4,000 passengers) to very small vessels and luxury yachts whose passengers number in mere dozens, and knowing the differences is key to planning your best cruise vacation.


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Cruise experts have divided today’s ships into six categories and provides information on the benefits each provides: XS, S, M, L, XL and XXL.

Extra, Extra Large Ships (XXL) – 4,000+ passengers

These megaships boast unparalleled options in entertainment and amenities. They truly give the impression of being on board a floating city and provide endless choices in dining, activities and shopping (some are so large as to even incorporate a “mall” area with brand name stores). If you desire a resort-type feel from your cruise or worry about sea-sickness, this may be your best option.

Some benefits of XXL ships:

•A large variety of cabin options in every price range
•Dining options that range from small, informal cafes to 5-star restaurants
•Over the top entertainment options that include Broadway-quality shows, 3-D movie theaters, large casinos, extensive waterpark areas and more
•Extremely comprehensive children’s programs and amenities
•Increased ship stability; little sea motion

Example XXL ships:

•Royal Caribbean International: Allure of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas; Ovation of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas
•Disney Cruise Line: Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy
•Costa Cruise Line: Costa Diadema, Costa Venezia, Costa Smeralda
•MSC Cruises: MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seaside, MSC Virtuosa; MSC Grandiosa, MSC Bellissima, MSC Seaview, MSC Preziosa, MSC Divina MSC Splendida,
•Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Escape
•Carnival Cruise Line: Carnival Panorama, Carnival Vista, Carnival Mardi Gras

Extra Large Ships (XL) – 3,000-3,999 passengers

These extra-large ships are a destination unto themselves and are especially good for families and multigenerational cruises due to the many amenities found onboard. There is something for everyone, and many cruisers enjoy their time onboard as much as they do the destinations they visit.

Some benefits of XL ships:

•An abundance of cabin options in many different price ranges
•A variety of dining options, ranging from ultra-casual to very upscale and formal
•A popular favorite with families due to the extensive children’s amenities and programs
•Round-the-clock facilities and activities, such as casinos, water parks, gyms and spas
•Excellent entertainment options and Broadway-quality shows like Royal Caribbean’s productions of Chicago, Hairspray and Saturday Night Fever

Example XL ships:

•Royal Caribbean International: Adventure of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas
•Princess Cruises: Caribbean Princess, Crown Princess, Emerald Princess, Majestic Princess, Ruby Princess, Regal Princess, Royal Princess, Sky Princess
•Carnival Cruises: Carnival Splendor, Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Dream, Carnival Breeze, Carnival Magic, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Sunrise
•Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Reflection,
•MSC Cruises: MSC Poesia, MSC Magnifica, MSC Musica,
•Costa Cruises: Costa Fascinosa, Costa Favolosa, Costa Magica, Costa Pacifica
•Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Joy

Large Ships (L) – 2,000 to 2,999 passengers

Large ships offer many of the same amenities as the XL ships, on a slightly smaller scale. They don’t necessarily require a ship map to navigate to entertainment and activity options, and tend to have more personal touches.

Some benefits of L ships:

•Many cabin options in different price ranges
•Numerous dining options, ranging from very casual to formal
•A popular favorite with families due to the extensive children’s amenities and programs
•Also popular with older cruisers, as the pace onboard is not as frenetic
•A variety of activities, such as casinos, gyms and spas and often there are bridge instructors on longer itineraries
•Entertainment options may include things like a fireworks display, outdoor movies and stage shows
•Onboard lecturers are often more cerebral with topics like history, politics and geography.

Example L Ships:

•Royal Caribbean International: Enchantment of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, Vision of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Majesty of the Seas
•Princess Cruises: Coral Princess, Golden Princess, Grand Princess, Star Princess, Diamond Princess, Sapphire Princess, Sun Princess
•Cunard Cruises: Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2
•Holland America Line: Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Koningsdam,, Nieuw Statendam
•Disney Cruises: Disney Magic, Disney Wonder
•Carnival Cruises: Carnival Elation, Carnival Paradise, Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Fascination, Carnival Imagination, Carnival Sensation, Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Legend, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Pride, Carnival Triumph, Carnival Victory, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Glory, Carnival Valor, Carnival Conquest
•MSC Cruises: MSC Opera, MSC Armonia, MSC Lirica, MSC Orchestra, MSC Seaview
•Costa Cruises: Costa Mediterranea, Costa Luminosa, Costa Deliziosa, Costa Serena, Costa Fortuna, MSC Sinfonia
•Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Solstice Celebrity Silhouette
•Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Sky, Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Star, Pride of America

Medium Ships (M) – 951 to 1,999 passengers

Medium ships generally offer a slower pace than their large counterparts, with fewer crowds, less noise and more modest offerings when it comes to activity and entertainment options. Many cruisers prefer this size of ship for its “relaxation” vibe. Many of these ships tend to be more luxurious with more personal service.

Some benefits of M ships:

•Many of the premium cruise lines have ships that fall into this category
•Several dining options
•Medium-size ships still tend to have amenities like casinos, pools and spas
•Entertainment options tend to include more enrichment activities
•Attracts a more mature crowd that is focused on relaxation and enjoyment of the voyage
•Smaller size of the ships open up options as far as itineraries and ports
•Itineraries are likely to be 10 days or longer

Example M Ships:

•Holland America Line: HAL Maasdam, HAL Veendam, HAL Amsterdam, HAL Rotterdam, HAL Volendam, HAL Zaandam, HAL Oosterdam, HAL Westerdam, HAL Zuiderdam, HAL Noordam
•Princess Cruises: Coral Princess, Island Princess, Dawn Princess, Sea Princess, Sun Princess
•Crystal Cruises: Crystal Serenity
•Oceania Cruises: Oceania Riviera
•Costa Cruises: Costa Classica, Costa Victoria, Costa neoRomantica, Costa neoRiviera
•Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line: Grand Celebration
•Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Sun

Small Ships (S) – 950 passengers or less

Small ships fill a niche for cruisers that are looking for more in-depth exploration of the regions they visit. They can visit ports that are inaccessible to larger ships, and exotic itineraries are the standard. Most river cruise ships and almost all the luxury lines have ships that fall into this category.

Some benefits of S ships:

•Most cabins are suites and have balconies
•Luxury and service are frequently a focal point of a small ship voyage
•Amenities, while limited, tend to be very high end, including dining, shore excursions, spas and enrichment activities.
•Small ships trend toward a truly all-inclusive fare
•Smaller dining and shared areas lend themselves lively conversations and closer relationships with fellow passengers.
•Itineraries tend to be 10 days or longer

Example S ships:

•Princess Cruises: Pacific Princess
•Crystal Cruises: Crystal Symphony
•Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Voyager, Seven Seas Explorer
•Oceania Cruises: Oceania Insignia, Oceania Nautica, Oceania Regatta, Oceania Sirena, Oceania Marina
•Silversea Cruises: Silver Muse, Silver Moon
•Azamara Club Cruises: Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, Azamara Pursuit
•Costa Cruises: Costa Voyager
•Viking Ocean Cruises: Viking Star, Viking Sea, Viking Sky, Viking Sun, Viking Orion, Viking Jupiter
•Seabourn: Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Ovation

Extra Small Ships (XS) – 201-499 passengers

Very small ships offer a private, exclusive ambiance, along with personalized service and the advantage of being able to port almost anywhere. Passengers get a feel for the water and experience destinations in a very close-up, personal way.

Some benefits of XS ships:

•The most important benefit of small ship cruising is an immersive experience in the destination. Very small ships allow an in-depth exploration of nature, culture, history and learning not possible on larger ships.
•Passengers tend to be a well-traveled, worldly crowd who enjoy the pursuit of education and exploration of the destinations they visit
•Very personal attention from the crew; with luxury cruises this translates to personal attendants that see to your every need
•More solitude and the opportunity to relax and pursue your own interests
•Seating is usually open, with no set tables

Example XS ships:

•Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Seven Seas Navigator
•Silversea Cruises: Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, Silver Spirit
•Seabourn: Seabourn Legend, Seabourn Pride, Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Quest, Seabourn Sojourn, Seabourn Spirit,
•Windstar Cruises: Wind Surf, Star Pride, Star Breeze, Star Legend
•Paul Gauguin Cruises: MS Paul Gauguin
•Voyages to Antiquity Cruises: MV Aegean Odyssey
•Star Clippers: Royal Clipper

Extra-Extra Small Ship-XXS- Under 200 passengers

Example of XXS ships:

•Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Flora-100 Celebrity Xpedition, Celebrity Xperience, Celebrity Xploration
•SeaDream Yacht Club: Sea Dream I, SeaDream II
•Silversea Cruises: Silver Discoverer, Silver Explorer, Silver Galapagos
•Windstar Cruises: Wind Spirit, Wind Star, Wind Spirit,
•Star Clippers: Star Clipper,Star Flyer

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Airbus selects seven finalist teams to shape the future of aerospace

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Airbus experts have selected seven teams for the 2019 final of world-class competition Fly Your Ideas which invites students from around the world to innovate in key areas for the industry: Electrification, Data Services, Cyber Security, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence and Mixed Reality. The finalist teams were selected after a three-month development phase working with support from Airbus mentors.

Fly Your Ideas gives students the opportunity to develop exceptional or radical ideas for tomorrow’s aerospace industry. The selected concepts represent a range of trendsetting topics such as a ‘Smart Wheelchair’ for air travel or a ‘Solar Windmill’.

The finalist team members represent 11 countries (Argentina, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Moldavia, Netherlands, Norway, United Kingdom), 8 different universities and were selected from over 270 entries worldwide. Their academic backgrounds vary from Engineering to Information Technology and Natural Sciences to Finance.

In June, the teams will travel to Toulouse, France to work in Airbus’ innovation and R&D facilities to further develop, prototype or visualize their ideas using state-of-the-art equipment with support from Airbus. On 27th June, the students will present their projects in front of Airbus experts and personalities from the aerospace and academic world, live-streamed in parallel to a global audience.

The students, competing for a share of the €45,000 prize fund and the chance to further evolve their idea in the aerospace industry, are clearly motivated by the digital nature of this year’s challenge, and the chance to change the world with their ideas.

The seven finalist teams are:

Airbus Integrated Fisheries Information Services (Data Services Challenge) – Team AirFish, University of Cambridge, UK

AirFish is an ocean monitoring system using satellite imagery and video imaging technology. It can help governments combat illegal fishing, reduce bycatch of endangered species, and generally decrease damages to the marine habitat. This project aims to improve the efficiency of fish farming, making food production more affordable whilst reducing open-water fishing and thus environmental impacts.

Automated Intelligent Real-Time Quality Inspection Exploiting Human-Robot-Collaboration (Artificial Intelligence Challenge) – Team AIQinspect, Saarland University, Germany

AIQinspect will assist the human operator in performing rivet inspection by using Artificial Intelligence. Quality is predicted based on images and physical parameters while riveting in real time. The resulting information is communicated to the operator via Augmented Reality.

Batteryless Wireless Switches for Airplanes (Internet of Things Challenge) – Team “Zero” Heroes, Delft University of Technology, Netherlands

Application of wireless systems in aircraft instead of traditional wired systems. This idea solves the main limitation for IoT in aircraft by removing battery integration – a current challenge for safety and regulation. Furthermore it reduces fuel consumption and weight while simplifying aircraft retrofit and maintenance needs.
Motor Intra-body Cooling System – MICS (Electrification Challenge) – Team Osprey, University of Strathclyde, UK
Replacing the traditional method of cooling electric motors with a water jacket or submerged cooling with a cooling system integrated inside the body of the motor itself. This project has the potential to provide mass effective motors for future Urban Air Mobility and Hybrid Electric aircraft.

The Solar Windmill (Electrification Challenge) – Team Seren, University of Cambridge, UK

A novel method of electricity generation for spacecraft using trapped high energy particles. Using two concentric aluminium spheres, the energetic electrons flux from solar wind trapped in planetary magnetic fields can be collected and harnessed to generate power. This innovative approach aims to store and generate energy in deep space where the current density from sunlight is low.

Swan – Smart Wheelchair for Air travel Needs (Internet of Things Challenge) – Team Move-ez, Technical University of Milan, Italy

SWAN is an innovation that aims to revolutionize the air-travel experience of Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM) using IoT technology. It converts a redesigned class of detachable airplane seats into smart electric wheelchairs that passengers can use from check-in to arrival. It is fully controllable by smartphone through a dedicated app.

V.A.C.A. – Earth-obserVation-data based Application for stoCkbreeding Administration (Data Services Challenge) – Team V.A.C.A, National University of La Plata, Argentina

VACA is an integrated service for stockbreeders, based on Earth observation, meteorological and IoT data applied to agriculture. VACA aims to provide actionable information to stockbreeders on quality and quantity of pastures, number of animals in paddocks as well as the physical condition of cattle.

Teams will share project updates, photos, sketches and stories using #flyyourideas with their posts captured on the social wall of the competition website.

Airbus Fly Your Ideas is a global competition challenging students worldwide to innovate for the future of aerospace, designed and launched by Airbus in 2008 and organized in partnership with UNESCO since 2012. Since 2008, over 22,000 students have registered for Fly Your Ideas from over 700 universities and 100 countries worldwide, with more than 500 Airbus employees contributing their mentorship and expertise to support the competition.

Travel News | eTurboNews

Russia to replace its new passenger jet’s US engines with the Russian-made ones

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Russia’s first post-Soviet large domestic airliner, MC-21-300, has received two of the first 16 domestically-made engines to eventually replace American Pratt & Whitney engines that it currently uses.

The Irkut Division of Russia’s state-run United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), which is in charge of the MC-21-300 airliner project, will reportedly receive the next two PD-14 engines developed by Russia’s Aviadvigatel in the Ural city of Perm within the current year.

So far, the domestically-produced turbofan engine has undergone an audit by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The manufacturer expects the agency to grant approval for operating jets equipped with PD-14s by the end of the year. This will allow foreign air carriers to buy MC-21-300s powered by Russian engines.

The maiden flight of the Irkut MC-21-300 took place in May 2017. It is scheduled to make its public debut at the Moscow International Aviation and Space Salon (MAKS 2019) later this year.

The Russian-made narrow-body airliner, which is set to complete certification tests by 2020, is expected to challenge medium-haul jets such as Airbus A320neo, Chinese Comac C919, and the troubled Boeing 737 Max. The main competitive advantages of the jet include modest operating costs, which are up to seven percent lower than its competitors. The jet will replace the remaining Soviet-era Yakovlev Yak-42, Tupolev Tu-134, Tupolev Tu-154, and Tupolev Tu-204/214 airliners.

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Magnitude 6.0 earthquake jolts South Sandwich Islands region

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Magnitude 6.0 earthquake rocked South Sandwich Islands region today. No tsunami warning issued.

Preliminary Earthquake Report:

Magnitude 6.0

Date-Time • 22 Apr 2019 14:49:07 UTC

• 22 Apr 2019 12:49:07 near epicenter

Location 56.265S 27.398W

Depth 95 km

Distances • 2414.1 km (1496.7 mi) SW of Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, Saint Helena
• 2549.7 km (1580.8 mi) ENE of Ushuaia, Argentina
• 2555.4 km (1584.3 mi) E of R�o Grande, Argentina
• 2749.7 km (1704.8 mi) E of R�o Gallegos, Argentina
• 2765.0 km (1714.3 mi) E of Puerto Deseado, Argentina

Location Uncertainty Horizontal: 5.1 km; Vertical 5.9 km

Parameters Nph = 63; Dmin = 618.5 km; Rmss = 0.61 seconds; Gp = 36°

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New sales leader at Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC & Kimpton George Hotel

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Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC and Kimpton George Hotel announced the hire of Katherine Saad-Loman as director of sales and marketing for both boutique hotels in Washington, DC. Saad-Loman brings a strong resort, catering, and luxury hotel background to the position, as well as nearly 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry.

In her new role, Saad-Loman will drive all sales and marketing activities for Kimpton’s Hotel Monaco Washington DC and Hotel George. Saad-Loman’s day to day as director of sales and marketing for the two hotels will be spent with an emphasis on working with key corporate accounts while also leading the hotels’ expert sales, catering, and events staff. Under her guidance, the team will continue to create ridiculously personalized meetings, weddings, and creative event experiences, offering seasonally-inspired food and beverage in partnership with the hotels’ talented restaurant teams. Saad-Loman will also spearhead strategy for all sales segments and oversee the approach toward revenue, digital marketing, advertising and public relations efforts for the hotels.

Saad-Loman joins Kimpton with varied and impressive experience. She began her career at Hilton Singer Island Ocean Front Resort where she increased catering sales 350% across her three year term. After learning the ropes of a conference hotel, Saad-Loman gained experience as a director of food and beverage at Imperial Lake Golf and Country Club in Mulberry, Florida. She then cut her teeth in a number sales and operations roles throughout central Florida and Baltimore before joining the team at Walt Disney World’s Grand Floridian Resort as a senior sales and catering manager. She continued to advance her career at top hotels in the Florida market before returning to the Mid-Atlantic as a director of sales and marketing at Bethany Beach Ocean Suites in Delaware. Prior to joining the team at Kimpton, she was task force director of sales and marketing with Crestline Hotels & Resorts in Fairfax, Virginia.

A world traveler and graduate of Catham College in Pittsburgh, Saad-Loman has called the greater DC area home for the past seven months. Outside of work, she can be found planning her next trip, finding places to use her fluent French and recommends everyone live abroad at least once in their lives. Saad-Loman is a member of Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) with a passion for mentoring those looking to hone their sales and leadership skills, and she also volunteers, teaching financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship to first graders through Junior Achievement of Greater Washington in her spare time. Saad-Loman brings a stylish sense of leadership and a wide range of sales and marketing experience to both Hotel George and Hotel Monaco Washington DC.

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